FEATURE: DRIVING TIPS FOR OUTBACK AUSTRALIA


Driving around Australia is without doubt the best way to see the country, meet locals and give you the greatest freedom for your travels. Fortunately buying a car and petrol is less expensive than European and American countries so is affordable. However many foreigners are scared of the outback and it's dangers for travellers. While dangers are real and people do run into trouble each year we hope it will not deter you from exploring one of the world's greatest continents. Read on for more tips.

What kind of vehicle?
This depends largely on the kind of travel you want to do and where you want to go. If you plan to stick to major roads then a normal 2WD vehicle will be perfectly suitable. Station wagons are a popular choice among travellers as the tray area in the back is large enough to store tents, sleeping gear and other equipment. You may even be able to sleep in there.

If you want to do any off-road driving a 2WD vehicle can also be adequate, but you may just prefer to get a car with a higher wheel base for best clearance problems. Many of the outback tracks are conditioned dirt roads where speeds of up to 80 km/hour are possible and a conventional robust vehicle could manage. However after rain the road can be closed or conditions radically different. If you're doing serious off-road driving then you absolutely must travel in a 4WD with a high wheel base. For a full discussion on the kind of 4WD to take with you read on here.

Where to buy it?
Buying a car is a lot less expensive in Australia than in Europe and you can get good quality second hand cars. Visit used car lots or car auctions or check advertisements in newspapers, trading posts, car magazines or even with a sign on the car by the side of the road. Coastal areas are a good place to pick up used cars. However a lot of East coast cars can be affected by rust.

To drive in Australia you need a current national driving license and an international permit which should be easily accessible from your main car controlling agency in your country. To purchase a car in some states it must have a current road worthy certificate. Laws change from state to state but you must get the appropriate documentation to buy and purchase.

What to bring?
Again this depends largely on where you are going. Food, fuel and basics are usually available everywhere however prices get more expensive the more remote you travel. In some places only LPG petrol is sold. It is best to have a spare jerry can for fuel of at least 20 litres in outback areas, some travellers even fit long range fuel tanks under their cars. Try to fill up fuel in less expensive regions to save money.

It is also wise to carry an additional 20 litres drinking water as water is not always available or drinkable along the route. Additional food supplies are also adviseable in case you are delayed anywhere by weather or vehicle malfunction.

Accommodation is available in the major towns but most people bring their own caravan/tent/swag. Many campgrounds can be very basic so do not expect wood stores, gas cookers, flush toilets and drinkable water.
Spare tyres, tools and a basic knowledge of mechanics are essential.
A lot of people now travel around Australia with a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) to get their position, although this is of little use if you can't communicate the information to others if you become lost.

Always carry a mobile phone as 112 works to contact emergency services even without a signal.

Safety
Aim to phone in with someone every few days with your itinerary. Satellite phone and/or radio are advisable but not essential. Some vehicles have global positioning. Check the conditions prior to your trip and at each town on the way. Each roadhouse/hotel is responsible for keeping up to date with road information. If they have officially closed the road it is for good reason. Driving on closed roads can incur penalties and if you become stranded can cost a minimum of $1000 per tyre to get you out.

When to go?
Winters are the busiest and best times to travel with warm days and cool nights in the outback while summers are uncomfortably hot. Spring and Autumn are generally the best particularly for the Northern Territory, and the northern parts of Queensland and Western Australia.

Driving advice
It is best to check the condition of the roads immediately prior to your trip and continually ask as you drive the route. Publicans in bars and restaurants will usually be up to date and even responsible for road advice. If you come to a creek crossing make sure you check the depth before proceeding. This may mean walking through it first - watch out for crocodiles! If the water is deep some petrol car drivers may consider rigging up a tarpaulin across the front of their car to stop water from splashing into the engine. Likewise they can even disconnect the fan belt prior to the crossing and reconnect it immediately afterwards.

Drivers should slow before entering water, switch to low range if deemed necessary and choose a gear that will take care of the roughest part of the drive. Through the water maintain revolutions and speed, try to avoid changing gears unless necessary. On the soily floodplain let out the pressure in your tyres to prevent getting bogged.

In soft ground or sand let out your tyre pressure, avoid the soft saline edges of Lake Eyre and on corrugations either drive slowly to avoid a painful ride or faster to coast (somewhat) over the corrugations.§

If you do become stranded somewhere do not leave your vehicle. The water in the radiator can be drunk and cars are more visible by potential air search parties.

For more information
Most national parks or wildlife offices will have maps and details of road conditions. Here are some helpful phone numbers and websites:
Batchelor NT Parks and Wildlife Commission office - Tel. 08 8972 0282
The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Darwin - Tel. 08 8999 5511